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Clearly, there was greater depth and so many more layers to this man than I’d thought. The more I learned about him, the more secure I grew in the decision to save him. He was everything I wanted to protect in humanity. He was also rapidly becoming a loyal friend and soon to be lover.
Fletcher made some kind of choking sound, and when I swung my gaze back to him, it was to see how Merrick’s words had affected him. His face was bloodless and the cerulean blue of his eyes were brighter than they’d been all day.
“Look, Rick.” It pleased me that he was already using Merrick’s new identity. “I have no plans now, or in the future, to piss off Drew in any way. I owe her my life, and I don’t take that lightly. You don’t have an enemy in me.” He paused. “But I’d like for you to consider me a friend. Both of you.”
Since Fletcher addressed Rick directly, I'd let Rick answer. I could have folded my arms or angled myself more toward Rick, but I didn't. Instead, I kept my arms loose, the folder gripped in one hand. But I could drop a knife into my free hand with a flick and it could be lodged in Fletcher's shoulder a few seconds later.
Wounds had a way of curbing bad attitudes. Rick glided his hand from my shoulder down to the small of my back. He rested it there, a gentle reminder of his presence rather than a sense of possession. "Ibarely know you," Rick answered in a tone that sounded far more like him. "I've also learned that what people say and what they do, doesn't always match."
Sad, but true.
Fletcher's eyes seemed to reflect a lot of the light in the room or maybe it was just where he stood. Like the afternoon light gave them a shimmer against all that dark, byronic beauty. It seemed amusing that his eyes promised a chameleon like charm Fletcher delivered on. Whereas Rick's eyes were far more cobalt and striking. They were steady and ever present, unrelenting in the way they had of captivating me.
Honestly, I found both of them appealing in ways I really shouldn't.
Ever.
My pussy clenched around emptiness and my nipples were tight against my bra. Hell, even my clothes and their expensive fabric was too harsh against my skin. I wanted to feel flesh and heat.
"Man," Fletcher said with a damn near wry shake of his head. "You just summed up my whole life in one sentence. Most people are assholes. They are selfish, self-important, and self-aggrandizing to the point of nausea. Before you think I'm some embittered, nihilistic jerk—I grew up around money and freedom to do whatever the hell you wanted, because there was always someone you could pay off to fix it."
"Why are you telling us this?" Rick asked, echoing my own internal questions. Desire and need weren't unfamiliar to me, but I'd never let it cloud my judgment before. Had I already made a critical mistake?
"Because I know everything about you," he answered with a directness I found refreshing. "About who youwereand a little about who you are." Then Fletcher transferred that stunning gaze to me. "Iwantto know you. But trust—takes time. So, I'll be an open book. I have connections and resources. You have skills. I could be a valuable ally."
That, I'd already decided. "And what would that make me?"
"A friend."
He'd said that earlier.
"But I'll win over Rick first," he promised me with a hint of a sly smile and a wink. "Then focus on you. I have a feeling if he approves, you'll be more receptive to my approach."
Rick snorted. The sound tickled me damn near as much as Fletcher's claim. "What do you think?" I asked, managing to at least contain my humor this time, as I glanced away from Fletcher. Normally, I'd never dare take my attention from a potential threat in the room.
Handsome, playful, charming, and apparently wealthy, Fletcher Reed was still very much a threat and only a fool would dismiss him. We were also inhisterritory. Which meant he could have a weapon anywhere.
Rick's presence emboldened me though. His gaze remained unflinchingly focused. I'd give Fletcher credit, that kind of stare could unnerve a man, but he'd held up under the weight of it all day.
"I think he talks a great game," Rick said slowly. "But time will tell."
"Agreed." Turning back to Fletcher, I said, "These documents were a test."
"That much I gathered." Arrogance filled him once more. Confidence was sexy. He needed to be careful he didn't overplay his hand. "I don't disappoint."
"The test is not over," I reminded him. "We'll be in touch." I didn't offer him a hand nor did he extend one. Not yet.
This was a purely transactional acquaintance for the moment.
The dampness of my panties accused me of being a liar. I headed for the door, trusting Rick to keep my back.
"How long?" Fletcher asked.
"For what?" I waited until I was at his door and it was open before I responded.
"Until you get in touch? I don't mind giving you a demonstration or two over the phone if you'd like." That was a tantalizing promise of sex in his voice and there was no mistaking the desire in his eyes. My body pulsed in response.
"Crawl before you walk, Mr. Reed."
